ἀντιλέγω (antilegō)
antilegō
to dispute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antilegō describes speaking against someone or something, often with a tone of contradiction or opposition. It goes beyond simple disagreement to imply a direct challenge or refusal to accept another’s authority or statement. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where individuals or groups actively resist teachings or decisions, such as when some oppose Paul’s message in Acts 13:45.
Its meaning is shaped by its components: anti- (“against”) and legō (“to speak”). This gives the word a forceful edge, suggesting not just passive disagreement but active verbal resistance. For example, in Luke 20:27, the Sadducees are described as denying the resurrection, using language that implies they argue against it rather than merely omitting belief.
Translators often render antilegō as “contradict,” “oppose,” or “gainsay,” depending on context. The word carries a sense of confrontation, whether in theological debate or personal conflict. Its use in Titus 1:9 warns leaders to hold firmly to sound doctrine so they can refute those who oppose it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antilegō captures more than simple disagreement; it describes speaking against someone with active resistance. In the New Testament, this term often highlights a clash between truth and opposition, such as when leaders faced jealousy or denial from those who rejected their message. It reminds us that standing for faith can invite pushback, but that response is part of the journey.
For your Christian life, this word offers comfort in times of conflict. When you encounter resistance to what you believe, remember that even Jesus was spoken against. This does not mean you are failing, but that you are engaged in a meaningful witness. Hold firmly to sound doctrine, as Titus 1:9 advises, so you can respond with clarity rather than anger. Let your faith be grounded in love, knowing that God is with you in every challenge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- denying2×
- were contradicting1×
- spoken against —.1×
- speaks against1×
- it is spoken against.1×
- gainsaying,1×
- contradicting.1×
- contradicting [it]1×
- When were objecting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιλέγοντες2×
- ἀντέλεγον1×
- ἀντιλέγοντας,1×
- ἀντιλέγοντας1×
- ἀντιλέγοντα.¶1×
- ἀντιλέγεται.¶1×
- ἀντιλέγει1×
- ἀντιλεγόντων1×
- ἀντιλεγόμενον.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 20:27
Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection.
This verse identifies the Sadducees as those who deny the resurrection, using the term to describe their active opposition to a core Christian belief.
-
Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
Here, Jewish opponents contradict Paul’s message out of jealousy, showing how antilegō can arise from personal insecurity rather than theological disagreement.
-
Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
Paul instructs leaders to hold to sound doctrine so they can convict those who contradict them, highlighting the word’s use in defending truth.